The History of the valley 

As we celebrate turning one this month we take a look back at where we come from starting with the history of the valley in which we are based.
The Bertha Foundation is dedicated to supporting activists, storytellers, and lawyers who fight for social justice and human rights. This commitment is reflected in two key spaces we manage in South Africa: Bertha House and the Bertha Retreat in Boschendal.
We recognize the historical inequalities in land ownership. That's why we strive to use land as a tool to advance social justice and human rights.
However, we are also aware of the privilege associated with land ownership. With this in mind, we prioritize serving the surrounding communities. In May 2004, we relocated families from York Farm and built new homes for them in Lanquedoc and Pniel.
As a tribute to the past, we've incorporated the old structures from York Farm into the design of the new retreat, ensuring their memory lives on.